USFS to open Gros Cap trail

Monday

Jun 17, 2013 at 11:11 AMJun 17, 2013 at 11:12 AM

Staff reports

ST. IGNACE — The U.S. Forest Service will officially open the recently-constructed Gros Cap (Gichi-Neyaaganiing) Trial at 11 a.m. Saturday on the grounds of the St. Ignace Ranger District Office on US-2 roughly six miles west of St. Ignace.

"It's going to be a real nice feature," said Acting District Ranger Jim Ozenberger of the Hiawatha National Forest's St. Ignace Ranger District.

The 2.2 mile trail is designed to allow tourists to stretch their legs and learn about the local history of the area. Ozenberger explained their will be interpretive panels set along the route pointing out various historical features including those associated with Native Americans, the early settlers, and the plants, trees and birds found in the region.

Ozenberger said the Gros Cap Trail is mostly wooded with different forest types including hardwoods, cedar and spruce. On the high point of the scenic trail it overlooks Lake Michigan and provides a wonderful view of St. Helena Island and the lighthouse.

The trail will also have multiple benefits for local folks providing information and exercise to various school districts and will serve as a training ground for area firefighters.

Ozenberger added that plans call for the three-loop trail network to be a four season destination with a packer to be employed during the winter months allowing the public to access the site for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Trail construction included U.S. Forest Service personnel, Sault Tribal youth, Americorps Volunteers, LaSalle High School students and other community members. The name of the trail and various loops, Ozenberger explained, reflects both the French and Native American history associated with the site.

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony is slated for 11 a.m. Saturday and the public is invited to tour the new grounds immediately afterward while enjoying complimentary coffee and donuts at the Visitor's Center.